Daily Jolt: Friday, December 7
Friday, December 7
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
Ray Rice may measure only a listed 5-foot-8, but his impact on games is far from a small one. In fact, Redskins' defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said Thursday that he considers containing Rice to be his unit's biggest challenge Sunday. "First of all, he's a great football player, not just in the run game but the pass game, too," Haslett said of the Ravens' top running back. ... [Rice], is tied for fourth in the NFL in rushing touchdowns with eight and is 12th in yards with 872. The 25-year-old is also the third ranked back in receiving yards with 409, which includes five catches of over 20 yards. The Redskins' defense, meantime, ranks fourth-best against the run, holding opponents to 91.5 yards per game. "That's our No. 1 goal," Haslett said. (CSN Washington)Comment
Arkansas didn't ask Wisconsin for permission
In the case of Bret Bielema bolting Madison, Barry Alvarez took the high road. Alvarez admitted being "totally caught by surprise" when Bielema came to his New York City hotel room Tuesday morning and told him about an offer to move to the Southeastern Conference and take over the struggling Razorbacks. ... "I said, 'You're not telling me you're going to visit with the Arkansas people. You've already taken the job,'" Alvarez recounted. "The answer was yes." Alvarez noted matter-of-factly that "no one contacted me for permission" -- a breach of gentleman's protocol by Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long -- but insisted that he didn't feel betrayed by the lack of a heads-up from Bielema. "I know the business," Alvarez said. (Wisconsin State Journal)Comment
Damon hoping for a place to play
The question is who would give him a shot. Former Red Sox star Johnny Damon, who played for Thailand in a recent World Baseball Classic qualifying round, said Thursday night he would welcome a chance to play in 2013 in the right situation. Damon, 39, hit .222 for the Indians in 64 games last season before being released. "I liked being home last season with my kids. But I'm in shape and if I could play, I would," he said. "We'll see what happens. I still think I have something left if I am used the right way." ... Damon and Hall of Famer Paul Molitor are the only players in history with at least 2,700 hits, 500 doubles, 100 triples, 200 home runs and 400 stolen bases. (The Boston Globe)Comment
Must-See Photo
Knowshon Moreno tried to jump over Phillip Wheeler as the Broncos hurdled the Raiders on Thursday night, 26-13. (Terry Schmitt/UPI/Landov)
Must-See Video
The inspiring story of 2012 Sports Kids of the Year Conner and Cayden Long.
Game To Watch
Lakers at Thunder, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: More Heisman Trophy
This Day in Sports
- 1973 -- Jerry West of the Lakers sets an NBA record with 10 steals in a single game.
- 1985 -- Auburn's Bo Jackson wins the Heisman Trophy in the closest vote to date in the award's history.
- 2006 -- Willie Parker sets a Steelers single-game record with 226 rushing yards.
